Jeff Hanneman, heavy metal guitarist for Slayer dies at 49

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LOS ANGELES, Calif - Jeff Hanneman, a founding member of the heavy metal band Slayer, has died. He was 49.

Slayer spokeswoman Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald says Hanneman died Thursday morning of liver failure at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife, Kathy, by his side.

The guitarist had recently begun writing songs with the band in anticipation of recording a new album later this year. He had been slowly recovering from what was believed to be a spider bite that nearly cost him his arm after he failed to seek immediate treatment.

Robinson-Fitzgerald says it's believed the bite contributed to the failure of his liver, but it is unclear whether an autopsy will be scheduled. No funeral arrangements have been made.